There are different surgical procedures available to treat breast cancer. A lumpectomy or breast-conservation surgery removes the abnormal area of tissue. Removing the entire breast is known as mastectomy. Your doctor can help you decide which surgery is best for your individual situation.
Breast Cancer – Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can be used after breast cancer surgery, or it may be used in addition to chemotherapy for widespread cancer. The high-energy radiation kills cancer cells. This treatment does have side effects, which can include swelling of the area, tiredness, or a sunburn-like sensation.
Breast Cancer – Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are given to kill cancer cells that are located anywhere in the body. It can be administered by pill or by an injection, depending upon the drug. Sometimes chemotherapy is given after surgery to help prevent the cancer from recurring. Side effects of chemotherapy can include risk of infection, nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
Breast Cancer – Hormone Therapy
ER- and PR-positive breast cancers grow in response to hormones, so hormone therapy that blocks the action of hormones can be given to women whose breast cancer is hormone receptor-positive. It is usually given after surgery, but it can also be given to reduce the chance of developing breast cancer in women at high risk.